Green Seeded Henderson Lima Bean Seed
Green Seeded Henderson Lima Bean Seed
Introducing the quickest-to-harvest baby lima bean, renowned for its exceptional buttery flavor. Enjoy 8-centimeter pods that are slender and flat, packed with tiny, pale green seeds. These seeds are conveniently positioned off the ground, making harvesting a breeze. The plant itself is a robust, 46-centimeter-tall bush that stands upright, tough, and resilient, producing beans continuously until the first frost. This variety is remarkably reliable and excellently suited for cooler climates, demonstrating resilience to moderate heat and dry conditions. It is perfect for a variety of uses, including canning, drying, freezing, selling at fresh markets, or simply growing in your home garden.
Lima beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting high levels of fiber and protein with virtually no fat. They are rich in magnesium, which helps to relax blood vessels, enhance blood oxygen levels, and facilitate the circulation of essential nutrients throughout the body. Truly a superfood from your garden! Additionally, they enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen; simply chop up the plant after harvest and work it back into the earth.
A cherished heirloom variety, this baby lima bean thrives as a bush, eliminating the need for poles. Each pod houses three to four deliciously buttery lima beans that turn light green when mature and white upon drying. It’s a prolific producer, making it a favorite for home gardens and commercial processing alike.
The origins of this drought-resistant bush lima bean trace back to 1883, when it was discovered growing wild by a roadside in Lynchburg, Virginia. By 1888, it was introduced to the gardening community by Peter Henderson & Company and celebrated as one of the inaugural pole-free lima bean varieties. Named after Lima, Peru, where Spaniards first encountered them, lima beans have a storied history originating from the wild regions of Central and South America. With evidence of their importance in the diet of ancient Incans, depicted on pottery and other artifacts, lima beans were spread globally by traders and explorers. The Henderson Bush Bean is a direct descendant of these early introductions.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Lima beans need warm conditions to grow, so make sure to plant them well after the risk of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 21°C. Sow heirloom Henderson bush lima bean seeds in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight, placing them about 13 cm apart, with the "eye" side facing down, and at a depth of 2.5 cm, in rows that are 60 to 91 cm apart. The germination process may take some time. The soil should be enriched with compost or other organic materials and tilled deeply.
Growing: Thin the plants to about 20 cm apart, but avoid transplanting them. Be cautious not to over-water as it can cause the seedlings to rot. It's important to manage weed growth before the plants begin to flower, as disturbing the plants during their blooming phase may lead to the loss of blossoms.
Harvesting
Harvesting
You should expect the first harvest approximately 70 days following germination. Harvest the beans as soon as the pod starts to swell and becomes firm to the touch. Typically, smaller beans will have a more tender taste. Regularly picking the beans can actually boost your yield, as allowing the pods to remain on the plant too long can lead to tough beans.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
To avoid cross-pollination among different types of beans, such as lima, runner, or fava, it's necessary to separate the plants intended for seed saving by at least half a mile from other varieties. As the growing season concludes, let the beans dry out fully while still on the plant until the pods turn light brown and you can hear the seeds rattling inside. Then, extract the seeds from these pods. Ensure the seeds are thoroughly dried before storing the heirloom Henderson bush lima bean seeds in a location that's cool and dry, where they can be kept for up to a year.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Latin Name: Phaseolus lunatus
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 155 cm
Color: Green